The world chambers competition is organized every two years by the World Chambers Federation (WCF). It is the only global awards programme to recognize the most innovative projects undertaken by chambers of commerce and industry from around the world.
The competition provides a unique opportunity for chambers to showcase originality and ingenuity, demonstrate determination to strengthen SMEs, and improve services to members. Chambers of all kinds – from bilateral, local, regional and national to public and private law – can enter the competition. Since its inception in 2003, the competition has produced an array of case studies demonstrating entrepreneurial diversity and inspiring other chambers. More than 55 dossiers from 30 countries were received for the 2005 competition. Entries came not only from developed countries but also from developing and emerging countries. Previous finalists and winners of this increasingly popular event have experienced a significant impact on their local and national profile and influence as a result of the recognition they received for their competition projects.
A special recognition award for a developing country
2007 competition finalists will present their dossiers to the international judging panel as part of the 5th World Chambers Congress, held 4-6 July 2007, in Istanbul, Turkey. Through the World Chambers Competition, WCF continues to fulfil its mission to encourage Chamber excellence and dynamism while fostering information exchange and business development. Several new categories have been included for the 2007 edition of the competition. Each competition incorporates new categories to provide chambers with the chance to share their development of new ideas with their peers around the world. The categories are: Best Unconventional Project for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises; Best International Cooperation between Chambers; Best New Membership Recruitment and Best Skills Development Programme. Judges have finished evaluating the entries for the 2007 World Chambers Competition and have announced the 20 finalists who have made it to the last round of the competition, which will take place in Istanbul in July. With over 55 entries from 38 countries received this year, the competition has been the most popular and diverse in its history. All finalists will be invited to present their projects to the international judging panel.
This year also sees the inclusion of a special recognition award for the best project from a Chamber in a developing country. The award will recognize an exceptional project from within the group of applicants that demonstrates achievement and success in a challenging business environment, and will be included with the other categories at the World Chambers Congress.
The finalists are as follows…
Best Unconventional Project for Small and Medium-Sized
Applicants will have developed an exceptional project in an activity not typically associated with a Chamber of commerce. The project must be inspirational and innovative while demonstrating that it fulfilled the specific needs and objectives of the Chamber, serving its SME member community, and/or the local economy.
Victorian Employer’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Australia)
Grow me the MoneyTM is a joint initiative by VECCI and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to assist enterprises in making their workplace more environmentally friendly. The free programme provides SMEs in Victoria with the online resources and information they need to reduce their impact on the environment, and save money. The pilot programme, which was undertaken in three Victorian regions, has resulted in 102 individuals from 80 businesses participating and 14 confirmed industry mentors. The programme is about to launch its first state-wide campaign in April 2007 with the participation target set at 3,000 SMEs by 2008.
Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka
Back to Business. Following the tsunami, the FCCISL understood the importance of speed in channelling help and also of the rehabilitation of businesses affected by the disaster to restart the economic cycle. In order to improve coordination and cooperation, the FCCISL established help-desks in ten district Chambers in Western, Southern, Eastern and Northern Sri Lanka. The chambers launched the Back to Business Project which planned to provide market and corporate linkage, support in technology transfer and procurement of goods and services, and loan facilitation as well as engaging in post tsunami advocacy. The positive results seen so far (with 50% of the project complete) include 11,119 business brought back (among them 2,859 women-lead enterprises), 36,501 re-em-ployment and employment opportunities created and trauma and business counselling provided to 10,586 businesses.
Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry
TUUL 21. In 1999, the MNCCI created the TUUL 21 project with a vision for a greener Mongolia. The aim of the project was to show businesses the importance of Cleaner Practices (CP) and how it could benefit both the environment and the bottom line of the business. The various stages of TUUL 21 included demonstration of the concept and feasibility of CP, industry case studies, the development of a national CP centre, and policy development with the Mongolian government. The project offered SMEs the opportunity to incorporate best practices principles on environmental management and engage in a market-driven environmental initiative. Ten “champion” companies were audited as part of the project. All had incorporated the recommended technical improvements that resulted in reduced waste and an improved financial outcome. The MNCCI is now seen as a national authority on issues of environmental management in Mongolia.
Liverpool Chamber of Commerce and Industry (United Kingdom) Liverpooltenders.com is a tender alert service developed by Liverpool Chamber of Commerce. Tenders are sourced from both the public sector and first tier suppliers. Members of the programme are alerted by e-mail or SMS text message that a tender in which they might be interested has been advertised. Members manage their tenders, contact details and areas of interest on a website that is password protected. In the two years the service has been running, the business community has received 153.726 alerts for the 3481 tenders offered. This has allowed local businesses to improve the awareness of where to find contracts, given them the ability more effectively tender by being alerted to opportunities in a timely manner, and stimulated competitiveness within the business community. To date there are 1496 registered users for the programme which accounts for 80% of the Chamber membership.
Chamber of Economy of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
New Design towards World Markets. Initiated in 2005 by the Chamber of Economy of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, this project aimed to make a connection between the businesses and educational institutions in the woodworking industry. The Chamber invited the Academy of Arts to use the fresh ideas of their students to design furniture, which would then be displayed at various local and international events. All of the necessary material, machinery and expert support was provided by the Chamber. The project has resulted in success for the educational institutions and the woodworking industry. Some product ideas have been taken by certain local and foreign companies for further mass production. The Chamber has been seen to have a positive effect on the economic development of the region, and it has been recognized that young people can contribute to the local market.
Les Chambres de commerce et d’industrie du Massif central (France) MAGETA®. Since the 1970s, France has seen a reduction in the sustainability of local retailers and wholesalers due to the impact of mass marketing groups. The Massif central Chamber of Commerce and Industry Union decided to take action to support these local businesses. Together with the French Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Ministry (DCASPL) the Chamber created MAGETA®, a computer programme that links local retailers to local wholesalers. The programme includes functions such as a commercial diagnosis (turnover, margin, quantity), competition price monitoring and margin balancing. After two years, MAGETA® is being used by 10 wholesalers, 30 retailers and 28 information and communications technology centres.
Best International Cooperation between Chambers
Applicants will have developed an exceptional project that showcases how an international alliance between chambers can bring about important benefits to a Chamber, its members, and/or the local economy.
Chamber of Industry and Trade of Stuttgart (Germany)
& Chamber of Industry, Commerce, Services and Tourism of Santa Cruz (Bolivia)
Help to Grow: the Impossible is Possible. The cooperation between the Chamber of Industry, Trade, Services and Tourism of Santa Cruz (CAINCO) and the Chamber of Industry and Trade of Stuttgart began officially in 2004. The aim of the project was to improve the competitiveness of the SMEs in the region of Santa Cruz and to contribute to economic development and poverty reduction in Bolivia. This included implementing new services for members, scaled membership fees, more training in the outskirts of the city rather than just in the centre, as well as many other activities. Even though there were big differences between the two chambers in terms of culture, economy and working schemes, the cooperation has been successful. CAINCO has seen a 10% increase in income, a 7% increase in membership and higher participation rates in training courses.
Confederation of Brazilian Commercial and Business Associations (Brazil)
Programa Capacitar Nordeste. The international cooperation project between the Brazilian Confederation of Chambers of Commerce (CACB), KHS Essen, and the Essen Chamber of Arts and Crafts in Germany resulted in the Programa Capacitar Nordeste being implemented in the North-eastern “poor house” region of Brazil. Traditionally, the chambers of commerce in the region have been regarded as social clubs. The aim of the project was to help these chambers of commerce provide better services to their associates, participate actively in local development and promote an associative culture. Through seminars that were held for presidents, executives and consultants, priorities were established within the local chambers to make the changes needed. The project has beaten all targets and has seen a change in the influence and importance of chambers in local communities.
Barcelona Official Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Navigation (Spain)
International Action Plan (PAI). A priority of the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce is to bring companies closer to international markets and help them to plan and develop their export activities by establishing international relations. With that in mind, in 2002 they created the International Action Plan (PAI). The project aimed at providing companies with a programme exclusively dedicated to international relations. Results have included an increase in international businesses, which have risen from 5,000 to 12,000.
Chamber of Commerce for Bedfordshire (United Kingdom)
Pathways to Skills Transfer. In 2004, there was a need for skilled workers in the housing industry in Eastern England. Many immigrants from Eastern European countries were attracted by the promise of jobs and higher salaries. The problem was that the skills obtained in their home countries were not recognised in England. This resulted in the Chamber of Commerce for Bedfordshire teaming up with nine partners in seven countries to create the “Pathways to Skills Transfer” project. Essentially the project identified existing vocational qualifications in each of the partner countries construction sectors. From this research a qualification benchmark/matrix could be created which would give insight in the transferability of qualifications, and what additional training would be needed.
Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Industry (United Kingdom)
Productivity Challenge: Enhancing Cambodian service provision to SMEs. In cooperation with the Danish Chamber of Commerce, this project was created to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of services provided to SMEs by the partnership organizations and to increase the capacity of the orga-nizations in providing services to their members. This was achieved through holding interactive seminars/workshops in Cambodia, as well as inviting members of the Cambodian Chamber to go to the UK and/or Denmark for three weeks to watch the newly learnt techniques in action. The project has benefited all organizations involved with the Cambodian Chamber by learning how to best work with companies in the EU, and the Sheffield and Danish chambers forged stronger relationships with Cambodian businesses.
Best New Membership Recruitment
Applicants will have developed an exceptional project that increased Chamber membership by commendable, quantitative amounts. Submissions should highlight the project's unique attributes and emphasize the ways and incentives and/or fidelity programs that were used to attract and retain members. Public law (mandatory membership) chambers may apply in this category by highlighting any new fidelity or membership outreach projects.
Anguilla Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Anguilla)
The Allure of Anguilla for Business. The Anguilla business community was known for its individualistic attitude and a relatively loose bond with others. From its inception in the late 1970s, the Chamber of commerce had always faced challenges in recruiting members and demonstrating its value to the economic development of the Island. Over time, the Chamber did grow, and by 2006 had 60 supporting members. 2007 saw the Anguilla Chamber of Commerce form a private-public partnership with the Government of Anguilla resulting in the incorporation of all government registered businesses as standard members of the Chamber of commerce. Gross income almost trebled as a result of the agreement and membership increased to 1,110.
Chamber of Economy of Sarajevo Canton (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Recruitment and Retaining of Membership and Promotion of the Chamber Services. With the adoption of a new law on chambers in Bosnia and Herzegovina (1st January 2004), the membership of companies in regional and local chambers would for the first time in history become non-mandatory. In response to this, the Chamber of Sarajevo Canton undertook prevention activities prior to the transformation. These included educating its members and staff, establishing the codex for business ethics and switching the focus of revenue from membership fees to services. When the law came into place, membership of the Chamber dropped from 1,847 to zero. By the end of 2004, through the action taken prior to the implementation of the law, over 550 members had rejoined the Chamber voluntarily.
Vancouver Board of Trade (Canada)
A Membership Strategy of Engagement. With membership levels remaining the same for more than a decade before 2003, the Vancouver Board of Trade was looking for a way to boost interest and increase numbers. The board, with a membership of around 4,400, was already holding more than 500 events and meetings a year and actively participating in public policy initiatives. It was when the board discovered it had a reputation for being the best networking venue in the region that it tried a new strategy. A book The Frog and the Prince: Secrets of Positive Networking was written by three of the board’s members and followed up by core training on networking at new member orientation seminars. When released, the publication soon became a best-seller and since the implantation of the programme, membership of the Vancouver Board of Trade has grown by 30%.
Goderich & District Chamber of Commerce (Canada)
To be the voice of business dedicated to the promotion of economic development and prosperity for the enrichment of the community. The Goderich & District Chamber of Commerce was established in 1991 by a volunteer group of concerned business owners and managers. The volunteer board encouraged businesses to join the Chamber and help make their community a better place. They managed to secure 54 members. In 2004, the Board hired a part-time business manager to look into the sustainability of the Chamber and initiate a plan to increase membership. Through various measures such as creating a website for the Chamber, rebuilding the board of directors and particularly the production of a business directory, the Chamber increased its membership by nearly threefold from 54 members in 2004 to 156 by the end of 2006.
Eastern Province Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia)
New Membership Projects. The CCI Eastern Province (EPCCI) is dedicated to mobilizing private sector resources in developing the non-oil economic sectors of the province. Since its establishment in the 1950s, membership of the Chamber has grown from around 100 to just under 24,000 at the end of 2006. The Chamber has made a success of its membership drive due to a number of developmental services that give support to the private sector. Such services include the establishment of a women’s business centre, sector-wise committees for specialized attention and computerization and networking.
Best Skills Development Programme
Education, training and seminars are a core service of many chambers of commerce. Applicants will have developed an exceptional skill development programme that addressed and fulfilled a niche in the changing education and information needs of their business community.
The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Bangladesh)
DCCI Business Institute. The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry started a training centre called the Dhaka Business Institute (DBI) to develop human resource development programmes to assist SMEs in facing the challenges of globalisation. DBI offered short, mid- term and long-term certificate and diploma courses which were both standard and tailor-made. Until the end of 2006 the DBI had been making a loss for DCCI. However due to a proactive approach to marketing the courses, the DBI made its first profit in 2007. Other successes for the centre have included an increase of 10% in members for the Chamber, and the DCCI contributing to transform Bangladesh from a trade dependant country to a knowledge-based innovative and more value-added, export-orientated, industrial economy.
Tampere Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Finland)
Approved Board Member (ABM) Training Programme. pproved Board Member (ABM) Training Programme. The ABM programme was developed to assist companies develop corporate governance and improve their business environment. The programme has two main aims. The first is to spread out knowledge of the Board’s work for people involved, and the second is to introduce Board work advisors and entrepreneurs to each other. These aims are achieved through different levels of training that consist of the ABM course, the ABM exam, the ABM community and the ABM pool of Board professionals. The courses have been extremely successful and are fully booked weeks in advance. Although a marketing campaign was launched, the Chamber has found that word of mouth marketing is growing with each course.
Iraqi American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Iraq)
Training and Development Resources Initiative for Business in Iraq. Having been cut off from the rest of the world for such a long time, Iraq lacks familiarity with certain practices, languages, and communication skills which have become central and essential to conducting business in the world today. The IACCI aims to equip Iraqi trainees with the necessary communication, computer and business skills needed to build lasting confidence in those who are, and will become, the key players in the rebuilding of Iraq’s economy. The Training and Development Resources Initiative for Business project provides training and development for all Iraqis and is leading to increased employment and overall economic growth. The issues looked at in the courses include trade facilitation, data management and women’s empowerment and training. To date, the Chamber has completed over 550 courses and has trained more than 10,000 students.
County Carlow Chamber (Ireland)
Induction Matters. Series of multilingual DVDs (DIGITAL VIDEO DISK). Foreign nationals are now accounting for over half of employment growth in Ireland and its future economic performance will be very strongly influenced by its ability to continue to attract extra labour to Ireland. The project introduced by the Chamber had two main elements, language support, and multicultural awareness/diversity management. The main objective of the project was to develop a quality induction process across several disciplines for a multicultural workforce ensuring that everybody maximizes their potential and contribution to the organization. Providing induction communication through the employee’s mother tongue has had a positive influence on retention of migrant workers and encouraged their integration into the workplace and society. Finally, the training has fulfilled the dual role of improving the learners’ communication capabilities and providing a cost-effective means of information provision.
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